I'm in Cleveland and we get some heavy snow at times each winter. The car to put it bluntly is a real pig in snow. I don't have the option of using a beater. My advise is take it slow and allow extra travel time. I have also found that using the W setting helps along with the traction control (try turning it off it help me get out of a bad situation). I have to drive the freeway each morning before it is plowed in winter and it can be a real white knuckle ride.